Debt Recovery Officer

MidCoast Council; Taree; On-site; AUD 67,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

MidCoast Council is seeking a Debt Recovery Officer to manage a portfolio of outstanding rates, water charges and related accounts. You will review accounts, contact customers, negotiate payment arrangements and progress recovery actions in line with legislation and Council policy.

You will work with the Revenue team to maintain accurate records, support the wider unit, and prepare information for lawful recovery steps. Salary is circa $74,000 p.a. plus superannuation, based in Taree NSW.

Qualifications

• Experience in debt recovery or financial services.
• Ability to apply Council policies fairly and consistently.
• Experience with customer service in sensitive financial matters.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Review outstanding debt reports and identify follow-up accounts.
• Contact customers regarding overdue rates and charges.
• Negotiate and approve payment arrangements.
• Prepare information for legal recovery action and liaise with the Debt Recovery Agent.
• Prepare monthly status and statistical reports and investigate updates to contact details.

Skills

Debt recovery

Financial services

Customer service

Negotiation

Legislation interpretation

Microsoft Excel

Education

Certificate IV in Accounting or Finance

Diploma-level qualifications

Tools

TechnologyOne

Accounting software

Job description

As Debt Recovery Officer, you will manage a portfolio of outstanding rates, water charges and miscellaneous accounts. You will review accounts, contact customers, negotiate payment arrangements and progress recovery action in accordance with legislation and Council policy.

The role requires sound judgement, persistence and professionalism, together with the ability to communicate respectfully with customers who may be experiencing financial difficulty. In this role, you will:

• Review outstanding debt reports and identify accounts requiring follow-up.
• Contact customers regarding overdue rates, water charges and other Council accounts.
• Maintain clear and accurate records of customer contact and recovery action.
• Negotiate and approve payment arrangements in accordance with Council's Debt Recovery Policy.
• Monitor payment arrangements and follow up missed or overdue payments.
• Prepare information for legal recovery action undertaken by Council or its appointed Debt Recovery Agent.
• Liaise with Council's Debt Recovery Agent regarding legal recovery matters.
• Prepare information relating to potential water restriction action.
• Reconcile Debt Recovery Agent invoices and advise Revenue Officers of amounts to be allocated.
• Identify accounts that may qualify for sale of land for unpaid rates action.
• Prepare information required for proof of debt and assist with sale action.
• Prepare monthly status and statistical reports.
• Investigate returned notices and use appropriate databases and authorities to locate updated contact details.
• Respond to customer enquiries by telephone, email and at the customer counter.
• Support the wider Revenue team to provide an efficient and customer-focused service.

You will have experience in debt recovery, financial services or a similar environment, with the confidence to manage difficult conversations and apply Council's policies fairly and consistently.

You will also have:

• A minimum Certificate IV in Accounting, Finance or an equivalent qualification. Diploma-level qualifications will be viewed favourably.
• Demonstrated experience in debt recovery or financial services.
• Experience providing high-quality customer service in situations involving sensitive financial matters.
• A calm, respectful and resilient approach to customer service.
• The ability to negotiate practical outcomes and maintain professional relationships.
• The ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and accounting systems. TechnologyOne experience will be viewed favourably.

Salary: Commencing salary circa $74,000p.a. plus superannuation.

Location: This position will be based at our Administration Centre in Yalawanyi Ganya at 2 Biripi Way, Taree. You may also be required to be based from other Council sites across the MidCoast Council region.

Tenure: Permanent, Full Time.

For questions relating to the position requirements please contact David Roach - Financial Operations and Compliance Coordinator who is the hiring manager for this role. David can be reached on (02) 7955 7*** or at ***********@midcoast.nsw.gov.au.

For enquiries regarding the application process contact Corinne Matlwaski, Human Resources Business Partner who is the HR representative for this role. Corinne can be reached on (02) 7955 7*** or at ***************@midcoast.nsw.gov.au.